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Spotted Lanternfly

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) (SLF) is an invasive pest, primarily known to feed on tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but has many other host plants, including grape, hop, apple, stone fruit, maple, poplar, walnut, and willow. If allowed to spread in the United States, it could impact the country’s fruit, ornamental, and forest industries. Early detection is critical to prevent economic and ecological losses. The public will play a key role in detecting spotted lanternfly and the success of stopping its spread depends on help from the public to look for and report signs of the pest. The residents of California are encouraged to report any SLF finds to the CDFA Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.

Origin: The spotted lanternfly is an invasive plant hopper that is native to China and likely arrived in North America hidden on goods imported from Asia.

Current Distribution in the United States: SLF has spread to 14 eastern states since being introduced to the U.S. in 2014. Click for a map of confirmed SLF locations. These states are carrying out various surveying, treatment, and control activities in coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture. Live, viable SLF life stages have not been found in the environment in California. But over the past few years, multiple dead life stages and a few live adults have been intercepted in airplane shipments and a dead adult, dead nymph, and several live egg masses have been intercepted at border stations.

How it Spreads: Spotted lanternflies are invasive and can spread rapidly when introduced to new areas. While the insect can walk, jump, or fly short distances, its long-distance spread is facilitated by people who move infested material or items containing egg masses. The spotted lanternfly lays eggs on almost any surface, including vehicles, trailers, outdoor equipment, and patio furniture.

Damage: Both nymphs and adults of spotted lanternfly cause damage when they feed, sucking sap from stems and branches. This can reduce photosynthesis, weaken the plant, and eventually contribute to the plant’s death. In addition, feeding can cause the plant to ooze or weep, resulting in a fermented odor, and the insects themselves excrete large amounts of fluid (honeydew). These fluids promote mold growth and attract other insects.

Learn How to Spot the Spotted Lanternfly

Adult SLF, wings open
July – December: adult spotted lanternfly with wings open
Photo credit: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
Adult SLF, wings closed
July – December: adult spotted lanternflies, with wings closed
Photo credit: Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org
SLF egg on table
Sept. – June: egg masses
Photo credit: Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org
SLF early nymph
April – July: early nymph
Photo credit: Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org
SLF late nymph
July – Sept.: late nymph
Photo credit: Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org
Tree of heaven
Preferred host: tree of heaven
Photo credit: Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Additional Resources

Links & Resources

E-mail PDCP Información en Español Plant Health Division County Ag Contacts